News
GL sees govt. bid to wrest control of watchdog committees
Prof. G.L. Peiris, MP, yesterday (30), said that the prorogation of Parliament was primarily meant to disrupt three finance watchdog committees.
Addressing the media at the Nawala Office of Nidahasa Janatha Sabhawa, the former External Affairs Minister explained how the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government exploited Constitutional provisions to its advantage.
Declaring that nothing could be achieved by prorogating Parliament – a second time in seven months – Prof. Peiris alleged that the government was planning to replace Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs, Prof. Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim, Chairpersons, Committee on Public Finance, and Committee on Public Accounts, respectively.
Pointing out that as many as 40 committees would be dissolved as a result of prorogation of Parliament, the academic alleged that the government pursued strategies at the expense of taxpayers’ money.
The group consisting of some rebel MPs, elected on the SLPP ticket, has aligned with other dissidents to contest the forthcoming Local Government polls under the symbol of the ‘Helicopter.’
Prof. Peiris questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent declaration that he would fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution against the backdrop of all Provincial Councils being allowed to lapse.
The former minister challenged the government to conduct PC polls before a meaningless announcement was made. The SLPP National List MP accused the government of trying to divert public attention from the developing crisis.
Prof. Peiris lambasted the government over what he called unrealistic attempts to put off Local Government polls, claiming lack of funds and alleged threats directed at members of the Election Commission (SF)
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain
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